Gary O’Neil withdraws from Wolves’ head coach search after holding positive talks with the club

Gary O’Neil has decided not to return to Wolves for a second spell as head coach after holding talks with the club. Despite positive discussions, O’Neil, 42, felt the timing wasn’t right to take on the job, according to sources close to the situation.

The former Wolves manager, who spent over 14 months in charge at Molineux before being dismissed in December 2024, had been among the top candidates to replace Vitor Pereira, who was sacked after a dismal 10-game winless run to start the Premier League season. O’Neil’s decision comes just days after Pereira’s departure following a heavy 3-0 loss to Fulham, leaving Wolves in a precarious position near the foot of the table.

Although O’Neil previously guided Wolves to a mid-table finish and an FA Cup quarter-final in his first season, his second campaign ended prematurely after a poor start, which ultimately led to his exit. Since then, O’Neil has expressed a desire to return to management, but it seems he is waiting for the right opportunity to come along.

Wolves are now left to continue their search for a new head coach, with several potential candidates still being considered. Rob Edwards, a former Wolves defender, has emerged as another possibility. Edwards has impressed as manager of Middlesbrough, who are currently second in the Championship, and he also led Luton Town to the Premier League in 2023. However, Edwards has dismissed speculation linking him to the Wolves role, stressing that his focus remains on Middlesbrough.

“Speculation is hard for me to comment on,” Edwards said when asked about the Wolves links. “All I can say is I’ve not given it a single thought because my focus is just on this. It’s all the stuff that my daughter was telling me about.”

While Wolves continue to search for a permanent solution, interim management will likely remain in place for the time being. With just two points from their first 10 Premier League matches and eight points adrift of safety, the club’s immediate priority is to reverse their fortunes and avoid the dreaded relegation zone.

The club’s situation is dire, with no team in Premier League history having survived after such a poor start. The challenge for Wolves is not only to find a new manager but to make quick improvements on the pitch to ensure survival in the top flight.

After a series of disappointing results, including a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, the pressure on the club’s hierarchy is mounting. Wolves are currently the only winless side in the Premier League, and the road to recovery will require a decisive change in fortunes.

Wolves’ next move could be crucial in determining their future, and with O’Neil now out of the running, the club will need to consider a range of candidates to lead them through one of the most challenging periods in their recent history. The club’s supporters will be hoping that the right choice is made quickly, with the survival of their Premier League status hanging in the balance.